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Reconstruction
by Eric Foner • 1988
A brief, revolutionary experiment in interracial democracy. Why the country abandoned it.
4.22
6k+
Reconstruction Summary
Reconstruction 91%
A brief, revolutionary experiment in interracial democracy. Why the country abandoned it.
by Eric Foner 1988
4.22
6k+ ratings
The Wars of Reconstruction
by Douglas R. Egerton • 2013
Black voters were the majority in several southern states. Then the targeted assassinations began.
4.07
338
The Wars of Reconstruction Summary
The Wars of Reconstruction 91%
Black voters were the majority in several southern states. Then the targeted assassinations began.
by Douglas R. Egerton 2013
4.07
338 ratings
The March
by E.L. Doctorow • 2005
Civil War flames consume Georgia as a passing girl, a surgeon, and two deserters chase survival.
3.78
14k+
The March Summary
The March 91%
Civil War flames consume Georgia as a passing girl, a surgeon, and two deserters chase survival.
by E.L. Doctorow 2005
3.78
14k+ ratings
Yankee Leviathan
by Richard Franklin Bensel • 1991
The Confederacy's statist war machine, not the Constitution, built the modern American state.
3.69
49
Yankee Leviathan Summary
Yankee Leviathan 91%
The Confederacy's statist war machine, not the Constitution, built the modern American state.
by Richard Franklin Bensel 1991
3.69
49 ratings
A Short History of Reconstruction, 1863-1877
by Eric Foner • 1990
After the Civil War, America built an interracial democracy, then destroyed it.
4.04
2k+
A Short History of Reconstruction, 1863-1877 Summary
A Short History of Reconstruction, 1863-1877 90%
After the Civil War, America built an interracial democracy, then destroyed it.
by Eric Foner 1990
4.04
2k+ ratings
Longstreet
by Elizabeth R. Varon • 2023
Lee's closest general backed Reconstruction and Black voting rights. The South never forgave him.
4.06
1k+
Longstreet Summary
Longstreet 90%
Lee's closest general backed Reconstruction and Black voting rights. The South never forgave him.
by Elizabeth R. Varon 2023
4.06
1k+ ratings
A Nation Under Our Feet
by Steven Hahn • 2003
Enslaved people built a political world in secret. It outlasted slavery and reshaped the South.
4.11
958
A Nation Under Our Feet Summary
A Nation Under Our Feet 90%
Enslaved people built a political world in secret. It outlasted slavery and reshaped the South.
by Steven Hahn 2003
4.11
958 ratings
West of Slavery
by Kevin Waite • 2021
The slave South wanted a Pacific empire and nearly built one before the Civil War.
4.54
52
West of Slavery Summary
West of Slavery 90%
The slave South wanted a Pacific empire and nearly built one before the Civil War.
by Kevin Waite 2021
4.54
52 ratings
The Widow of the South
by Robert Hicks • 2005
A grieving widow buries 1,500 fallen soldiers in her garden, seeking purpose among the dead.
3.78
19k+
The Widow of the South Summary
The Widow of the South 90%
A grieving widow buries 1,500 fallen soldiers in her garden, seeking purpose among the dead.
by Robert Hicks 2005
3.78
19k+ ratings
Blood on the Moon
by Edward Steers Jr. • 2001
Lincoln's assassination was the final act of a secret Confederate campaign of targeted killing.
4.17
704
Blood on the Moon Summary
Blood on the Moon 90%
Lincoln's assassination was the final act of a secret Confederate campaign of targeted killing.
by Edward Steers Jr. 2001
4.17
704 ratings
Grant
by Ron Chernow • 2017
Failed farmer, rumored drunk. How Ulysses Grant won the Civil War and fought the Klan as president.
4.50
45k+
Grant Summary
Grant 90%
Failed farmer, rumored drunk. How Ulysses Grant won the Civil War and fought the Klan as president.
by Ron Chernow 2017
4.50
45k+ ratings
The Death of Reconstruction
by Heather Cox Richardson • 2001
The North's faith in free labor built Reconstruction, then provided the arguments to tear it down.
3.86
107
The Death of Reconstruction Summary
The Death of Reconstruction 90%
The North's faith in free labor built Reconstruction, then provided the arguments to tear it down.
by Heather Cox Richardson 2001
3.86
107 ratings
Amity
by Nathan Harris • 2025
To find his stolen sister, a freedman follows her trail into a Mexico that devours refugees.
3.76
5k+
Amity Summary
Amity 90%
To find his stolen sister, a freedman follows her trail into a Mexico that devours refugees.
by Nathan Harris 2025
3.76
5k+ ratings
Spying on the South
by Tony Horwitz • 2019
America's red-blue fault line was forged in the 1850s South. Retracing Olmsted's journey proves it.
4.00
5k+
Spying on the South Summary
Spying on the South 90%
America's red-blue fault line was forged in the 1850s South. Retracing Olmsted's journey proves it.
by Tony Horwitz 2019
4.00
5k+ ratings
The Bloody Shirt
by Stephen Budiansky • 2008
Emancipation was overthrown by a targeted campaign of terror. The nation was too tired to stop it.
3.85
354
The Bloody Shirt Summary
The Bloody Shirt 89%
Emancipation was overthrown by a targeted campaign of terror. The nation was too tired to stop it.
by Stephen Budiansky 2008
3.85
354 ratings
Gods and Generals
by Jeff Shaara • 1996
Lee, Jackson, Hancock, Chamberlain: four men, one civil war, and the private agonies behind command.
4.09
38k+
Gods and Generals Summary
Gods and Generals 89%
Lee, Jackson, Hancock, Chamberlain: four men, one civil war, and the private agonies behind command.
by Jeff Shaara 1996
4.09
38k+ ratings
Cold Mountain
by Charles Frazier • 1997
A wounded deserter walks home through a shattered land, while the woman he loves learns to survive.
3.89
251k+
Cold Mountain Summary
Cold Mountain 89%
A wounded deserter walks home through a shattered land, while the woman he loves learns to survive.
by Charles Frazier 1997
3.89
251k+ ratings
The Day Freedom Died
by Charles Lane • 2008
The Easter Sunday slaughter that gave white supremacy a legal shield for a century.
4.08
447
The Day Freedom Died Summary
The Day Freedom Died 89%
The Easter Sunday slaughter that gave white supremacy a legal shield for a century.
by Charles Lane 2008
4.08
447 ratings
Cape Cod and the Civil War
by Stauffer Miller • 2010
A peninsula voted its morals over its money, then became the Union's lifeline at sea.
4.14
7
Cape Cod and the Civil War Summary
Cape Cod and the Civil War 89%
A peninsula voted its morals over its money, then became the Union's lifeline at sea.
by Stauffer Miller 2010
4.14
7 ratings
The South Was Right!
by James Ronald Kennedy • 1991
The South legally seceded. The North invaded for economic gain. The rest is propaganda.
3.93
482
The South Was Right! Summary
The South Was Right! 89%
The South legally seceded. The North invaded for economic gain. The rest is propaganda.
by James Ronald Kennedy 1991
3.93
482 ratings
Tried by War
by James M. McPherson • 2008
How a lawyer with zero military training became the most hands-on commander in chief.
4.09
6k+
Tried by War Summary
Tried by War 89%
How a lawyer with zero military training became the most hands-on commander in chief.
by James M. McPherson 2008
4.09
6k+ ratings
A Nation Without Borders
by Steven Hahn • 2016
The United States was an empire before it was a nation. Slavery, rebellion, and conquest built it.
4.00
332
A Nation Without Borders Summary
A Nation Without Borders 89%
The United States was an empire before it was a nation. Slavery, rebellion, and conquest built it.
by Steven Hahn 2016
4.00
332 ratings
How the South Won the Civil War
by Heather Cox Richardson • 2020
Southern oligarchy lost the war but won the West, rebranding as cowboy individualism.
4.31
5k+
How the South Won the Civil War Summary
How the South Won the Civil War 89%
Southern oligarchy lost the war but won the West, rebranding as cowboy individualism.
by Heather Cox Richardson 2020
4.31
5k+ ratings
Freedom’s Dominion
by Jefferson R. Cowie • 2022
One Alabama county's 'freedom' meant the right to dominate. The history and the national fallout.
4.50
881
Freedom’s Dominion Summary
Freedom’s Dominion 89%
One Alabama county's 'freedom' meant the right to dominate. The history and the national fallout.
by Jefferson R. Cowie 2022
4.50
881 ratings
Personal Memoirs Personal Memoirs Personal Memoirs
by Ulysses S. Grant • 1885
Cancer-ridden and bankrupt, a president writes the war he won, racing death to save his family.
4.14
10k+
Personal Memoirs Personal Memoirs Personal Memoirs Summary
Personal Memoirs Personal Memoirs Personal Memoirs 89%
Cancer-ridden and bankrupt, a president writes the war he won, racing death to save his family.
by Ulysses S. Grant 1885
4.14
10k+ ratings
Attack and Die
by Grady McWhiney • 1982
Honor culture demanded attack. Rifles made attack fatal. The Confederacy bled to death.
3.56
157
Attack and Die Summary
Attack and Die 89%
Honor culture demanded attack. Rifles made attack fatal. The Confederacy bled to death.
by Grady McWhiney 1982
3.56
157 ratings
The Second Founding
by Eric Foner • 2019
Reconstruction gave birth to a new Constitution. The Supreme Court spent a century erasing it.
4.23
3k+
The Second Founding Summary
The Second Founding 89%
Reconstruction gave birth to a new Constitution. The Supreme Court spent a century erasing it.
by Eric Foner 2019
4.23
3k+ ratings
ROOTS OF SOUTHERN POPULISM
by Steven Hahn • 1985
Before Populism, Georgia's yeomen lost their land and independence to merchants, cotton, and debt.
3.78
74
ROOTS OF SOUTHERN POPULISM Summary
ROOTS OF SOUTHERN POPULISM 89%
Before Populism, Georgia's yeomen lost their land and independence to merchants, cotton, and debt.
by Steven Hahn 1985
3.78
74 ratings
The Republic for Which It Stands
by Richard White • 2017
America rebuilt itself after 1865 into something no one voted for. A history of broken promises.
4.16
2k+
The Republic for Which It Stands Summary
The Republic for Which It Stands 89%
America rebuilt itself after 1865 into something no one voted for. A history of broken promises.
by Richard White 2017
4.16
2k+ ratings
March
by Geraldine Brooks • 2005
The father of Little Women writes home from war, hiding the brutality eroding his faith.
3.82
79k+
March Summary
March 88%
The father of Little Women writes home from war, hiding the brutality eroding his faith.
by Geraldine Brooks 2005
3.82
79k+ ratings
Gone with the Wind
by Margaret Mitchell • 1936
War burns down her world. Starvation sharpens her. The men she marries are just survival.
4.31
1.3M+
Gone with the Wind Summary
Gone with the Wind 88%
War burns down her world. Starvation sharpens her. The men she marries are just survival.
by Margaret Mitchell 1936
4.31
1.3M+ ratings
Booth
by Karen Joy Fowler • 2022
Six Booth siblings grow up among Shakespeare, scandal, and ghosts. One will assassinate a president.
3.82
15k+
Booth Summary
Booth 88%
Six Booth siblings grow up among Shakespeare, scandal, and ghosts. One will assassinate a president.
by Karen Joy Fowler 2022
3.82
15k+ ratings
The Book of Lost Friends
by Lisa Wingate • 2020
1875: a Black woman rides west searching for stolen family, collecting lost names in a book.
4.15
124k+
The Book of Lost Friends Summary
The Book of Lost Friends 88%
1875: a Black woman rides west searching for stolen family, collecting lost names in a book.
by Lisa Wingate 2020
4.15
124k+ ratings
The First Eight
by Jim Clyburn • 2025
Reconstruction gave America its first Black congressmen. The betrayal that took them repeats today.
4.52
146
The First Eight Summary
The First Eight 88%
Reconstruction gave America its first Black congressmen. The betrayal that took them repeats today.
by Jim Clyburn 2025
4.52
146 ratings
American Brutus
by Michael W. Kauffman • 2004
An actor shot Lincoln on Good Friday and vanished. What followed was history's most bungled manhunt.
4.16
3k+
American Brutus Summary
American Brutus 88%
An actor shot Lincoln on Good Friday and vanished. What followed was history's most bungled manhunt.
by Michael W. Kauffman 2004
4.16
3k+ ratings
Witness to Gettysburg
by Richard Wheeler • 1919
Gettysburg: a general vanishes, a subordinate disobeys, and 12,500 men walk a mile into cannon fire.
3.82
203
Witness to Gettysburg Summary
Witness to Gettysburg 88%
Gettysburg: a general vanishes, a subordinate disobeys, and 12,500 men walk a mile into cannon fire.
by Richard Wheeler 1919
3.82
203 ratings
Master Slave Husband Wife
by Ilyon Woo • 2023
Enslaved woman as white gentleman, husband as slave: a 1,000-mile escape in plain sight.
3.97
19k+
Master Slave Husband Wife Summary
Master Slave Husband Wife 88%
Enslaved woman as white gentleman, husband as slave: a 1,000-mile escape in plain sight.
by Ilyon Woo 2023
3.97
19k+ ratings
The Slaveholding Republic
by Don E. Fehrenbacher • 2001
The federal government was not neutral on slavery. It became the slaveholder's most powerful weapon.
4.21
63
The Slaveholding Republic Summary
The Slaveholding Republic 88%
The federal government was not neutral on slavery. It became the slaveholder's most powerful weapon.
by Don E. Fehrenbacher 2001
4.21
63 ratings
A Necessary Evil
by Garry Wills • 1999
The Constitution was built for action, not gridlock. How Americans came to believe otherwise.
3.78
196
A Necessary Evil Summary
A Necessary Evil 88%
The Constitution was built for action, not gridlock. How Americans came to believe otherwise.
by Garry Wills 1999
3.78
196 ratings
Dances with Wolves
by Michael Blake • 1988
Alone at a frontier outpost, a Union officer befriends the Comanche. The army calls it treason.
4.24
29k+
Dances with Wolves Summary
Dances with Wolves 88%
Alone at a frontier outpost, a Union officer befriends the Comanche. The army calls it treason.
by Michael Blake 1988
4.24
29k+ ratings
Free Soil, Free Labor, Free Men
by Eric Foner • 1971
The ideology that built the Republican Party made its clash with the slave South inevitable.
4.12
1k+
Free Soil, Free Labor, Free Men Summary
Free Soil, Free Labor, Free Men 88%
The ideology that built the Republican Party made its clash with the slave South inevitable.
by Eric Foner 1971
4.12
1k+ ratings
The Original Black Elite
by Elizabeth Dowling Taylor • 2017
Reconstruction built a Black elite in Washington D.C. Jim Crow buried them and erased their story.
4.03
279
The Original Black Elite Summary
The Original Black Elite 88%
Reconstruction built a Black elite in Washington D.C. Jim Crow buried them and erased their story.
by Elizabeth Dowling Taylor 2017
4.03
279 ratings
The Interbellum Constitution
by Alison L. LaCroix • 2024
Antebellum America's constitutional crisis: federal power and states' rights kept swapping sides.
4.47
17
The Interbellum Constitution Summary
The Interbellum Constitution 88%
Antebellum America's constitutional crisis: federal power and states' rights kept swapping sides.
by Alison L. LaCroix 2024
4.47
17 ratings
Nat Turner's Slave Rebellion
by Herbert Aptheker • 1966
A solar eclipse, a prophet's vision, and 40 hours that forced the South to defend slavery openly.
3.55
64
Nat Turner's Slave Rebellion Summary
Nat Turner's Slave Rebellion 88%
A solar eclipse, a prophet's vision, and 40 hours that forced the South to defend slavery openly.
by Herbert Aptheker 1966
3.55
64 ratings
Wilmington's Lie
by David Zucchino • 2020
Before Jim Crow there was an 1898 coup that erased a Southern city's black leadership.
4.43
4k+
Wilmington's Lie Summary
Wilmington's Lie 88%
Before Jim Crow there was an 1898 coup that erased a Southern city's black leadership.
by David Zucchino 2020
4.43
4k+ ratings
Shot All to Hell
by Mark Lee Gardner • 2013
One cashier's refusal turned the James-Younger gang's last heist into a bloody rout.
4.03
1k+
Shot All to Hell Summary
Shot All to Hell 88%
One cashier's refusal turned the James-Younger gang's last heist into a bloody rout.
by Mark Lee Gardner 2013
4.03
1k+ ratings
The Strange Career of Jim Crow
by C. Vann Woodward • 1955
Jim Crow: a system built in the 1890s, started in the North, and never inevitable.
4.14
3k+
The Strange Career of Jim Crow Summary
The Strange Career of Jim Crow 88%
Jim Crow: a system built in the 1890s, started in the North, and never inevitable.
by C. Vann Woodward 1955
4.14
3k+ ratings
The Republic of Violence
by J.D. Dickey • 2022
The abolitionists' greatest enemy wasn't slavery; it was the mob violence that met their every move.
4.03
34
The Republic of Violence Summary
The Republic of Violence 88%
The abolitionists' greatest enemy wasn't slavery; it was the mob violence that met their every move.
by J.D. Dickey 2022
4.03
34 ratings
Team of Rivals
by Doris Kearns Goodwin • 2005
Lincoln beat three famous rivals for president. Then he hired every last one of them.
4.29
201k+
Team of Rivals Summary
Team of Rivals 88%
Lincoln beat three famous rivals for president. Then he hired every last one of them.
by Doris Kearns Goodwin 2005
4.29
201k+ ratings
Slavery's Constitution
by David Waldstreicher • 2009
Six of 84 clauses protected slavery. The compromise that made the Civil War inevitable.
3.69
250
Slavery's Constitution Summary
Slavery's Constitution 88%
Six of 84 clauses protected slavery. The compromise that made the Civil War inevitable.
by David Waldstreicher 2009
3.69
250 ratings
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